A bloody show, but the violence is rarely explicit and most of the time only suggested, although it shows very graphic afterviews of brutal murders and mutilations. The sex although not in every episode is very explicit. It's got lots of swearing too. Not a show for kids because of violent images, scenes, occasional explicit sex, partial nudity, and a liberal use of swearing, but teens should be fine.
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Dexter
(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Lauren Velez, Where to watch: CBS, Showtime, DVD, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Bloody drama for adults only -- we mean it!
Why We Rated This 
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Dexter
Parents need to know that this violent drama -- originally made for pay cable -- now airs on CBS in primetime. It focuses on a "hero" who is a serial killer, it's extremely dark and violent, and it's not intended for kids or teens in any way. CBS has bleeped out the profanity but left the story untouched. Blood is shown so often that it's almost a secondary character, and the protagonist is probably one of the worst role models a kid could have. Graphic close-ups of severed arms, legs, and heads reveal tissue that looks almost meat-like, so if you're watching without your kids, leave the munchies in the kitchen.
Read our full review by Kari Croop
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the fact that killing another human being, no matter what your motives might be, is 100 percent wrong. But is committing a less-drastic act that you know to be illegal ever OK if the person you're committing it against is a bad seed? How far is too far when it comes to revenge? Is there a point when your actions become just as reprehensible as the people and bad deeds you're targeting? Do the ends ever justify the means?
Our Members Say
See all 24 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Not for children . . . PERIOD
Possibly appropriate for 18 and older, but parents, if your kids are younger than that DON'T LET THEM WATCH IT! The violence isn't the problem, although it is pretty graphic. It is the sex and language that is appalling for young teens. My opinion is that this is for adults only.
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
for certain adults only
This is simply an excellent series. Very macabre subject matter. Excellent writing. How else can you explain the curious empathy you develop towards this killer. Nothing any child should be watching. Michael C. Hall couldn't be more different from his character on SIx Feet Under.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
he should just arrest bad guys not kill them.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
Ends appropriate, means skewed.
One shouldn't (I hope) support the means that the title character pursues. However, the ends appear ultimately noble in nature... once the not-so-politically correct motives are adequately understood (which is the concern of this drama). Robin Hood "robbed the rich to aid the poor." Dexter dispatches strictly evil individuals out of an inherent need to extinguish, which, in the process, ultimately aids society. It's not revenge in the least, but a necessity for him to continue existing. He may perhaps be deemed a serial killer, but a "serial killer of serial killers," especially one that abides by a code of morality far more keen than ours, does not seem apt for condemnation.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
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